Annual Hunter Fest Friday in Ten Sleep

WORLAND — Before pickups carrying hunters’ big game harvest become a regular sight in Ten Sleep, hunters will have an opportunity for fellowship, food and an overall good time.

In its 27th iteration this year, Ten Sleep Hunter Fest will kick off Friday at 11 a.m. and run through 2 p.m.

The free event, sponsored by the Worland-Ten Sleep Chamber of Commerce, is held on Pine Street between Dirty Sally’s and the Ten Sleep Senior Center.

Event organizer Bill Fuchs said the event always takes place on Oct. 14 as the following day always marks the day general tags open in the area.

Fuchs said there will be around 15 vendors ranging from people selling goodies like pies and cakes to coffee. Washakie County Search and Rescue will also have a presence.

As always, hunters can chow down on a free meal. This year’s meal will consist of pulled pork, baked beans and a choice between pop and water. Drinks are provided courtesy of Admiral Beverage.

Hunter Fest serves as a last hurrah for an influx of out-of-state residents passing through Ten Sleep as the traditional tourism season rachets down.

“We anticipate about 250 out-of-state hunters. It’s pretty neat,” Fuchs said. “We see a lot of new faces every year.

“Others have been hunting here since the ‘70s. They come back whether they’ve drawn a tag or not.”

All the businesses in Ten Sleep are typically open. Fuchs said the service industry always does well over Hunter Fest.

It’s a chance for those making the pilgrimage to Ten Sleep — both old and new — to peruse local businesses. Some businesses in town have giveaways.

During Hunter fest, three rifles and a handgun will be raffled off. Those are:

Save Axis II 6.5 Creedmore

Savage Axis II .223

Ruger American .308

Sig Sauer 365 SAS 9mm

In order to win a gun, those entering must be of an appropriate age.